courtesy of suppliers
The average American woman’s dress size is between 14 and 16, which technically means plus-size is our nation’s norm. However, even in 2021, it can still be tricky finding plus-size workout clothes from quality brands we know and love.
Luckily, some of the top-performing brands from Good Housekeeping Institute tests accommodate plus sizes, including Nike and Girlfriend Collective. To find the best activewear worth your money, our clothing experts evaluate yoga pants, sports bras, and leggings, looking at factors like moisture management, washability, opaqueness, and stretch recovery. For brands we haven’t tested below, our product reviews pros researched top-searched brands for plus-size workout apparel, which include Old Navy and Fabletics, and vetted offerings from lesser-known brands if you prefer to shop small and/or support BIPOC clothing businesses.
Below you’ll find the best plus-size workout clothes, from cheap and popular gear to the highest quality, moisture-wicking fabrics. You’ll discover leggings on this list that start at 1X and run up to 6X, sports bras that range from D through KK cup sizes, and stretchy joggers and jackets with adjustable features to find your perfect fit.
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1
Tech Tank Top
Amazon reviewers say this tank has a “loose fit,” though it doesn’t give you a baggy appearance. It’s made of 100% polyester, and according to the brand, features a lightweight stretch, anti-odor technology and moisture-wicking properties.
- Non-restricting material
- Plus sizes available: 1X-3X
Affordable Plus-Size Workout Tanks
Flowy Racerback Tank Top
amazon.com
$29.99
Over 7,000 Amazon reviewers gave these racerback tanks a positive rating. They say they’re the perfect fit and cover your stomach without being too long. The tanks come in a set of three and keep you cooler in the heat.
- Plus sizes available: 1X-4X
3
Plus-Size Jacquard Mesh Cropped T-Shirt
amazon.com
$19.00
Core 10’s mesh performance shirt is lightweight and slightly cropped. Most reviewers say it’s cropped at the right length, though some with longer torsos might find it too short. One reviewer describes the shirt as “paper thin but not see-through at all.”
- Plus sizes available: 1X-3X
- Fit might be too short for longer torsos
Popular Brand for Cheap Plus-Size Clothing
Graphic Muscle Plus-Size Tank Top
oldnavy.gap.com
$19.99
Old Navy is known for offering inclusive sizing for tall, short, plus-size and maternity fits. Plus, the brand is incredibly affordable. Reviewers gave this tank a high rating because it fits comfortably and comes in fun prints and graphics.
- Plus sizes available: 1X-4X
5
1/2 Zip Running Element Top
“I love this top for fall running because it’s lightweight, but still keeps you comfortable in colder temperatures,” says one online reviewer. She also mentions that the material can easily be pushed up if it gets too warm. The brand says the Element top is made from “sustainable materials,” like recycled polyester.
- Keeps you warm in cooler weather
- Plus sizes available: 1X-3X
6
Rylee SculptKnit Tank
fabletics.com
$44.95
The SculptKnit technology and shapewear-inspired waistband almost makes this crop tank look like a sports bra. The compressive racerback style lets you move freely while hugging you in the right places. One reviewer says since it cuts low in the front, the tank might not be the best option for those with larger cup sizes.
- Plus sizes available: 1X-3X
- Provides extra mobility
Best Plus-Size Workout Leggings
Live In High Waist Leggings
nordstrom.com
$44.25
The high-waist, flattering cut and stretchy, yet opaque material makes these leggings popular among online reviewers. “These leggings help hold everything in place and never roll down even when working out,” says one reviewer.
- Plus sizes available: 1X-3X
8
Elation 7/8 Tight
athleta.gap.com
$89.00
Our Lab experts personally love these leggings and named them the best overall pair in our plus-size leggings roundup. They’re smooth, durable against pilling, and can be worn for a variety of fitness activities. The only flaw: The brand needs a larger color range for plus sizes.
- Plus sizes available: 1X-3X
- Textiles Lab favorite
Best Sustainable Plus-Size Leggings
Moss High-Rise Pocket Legging
girlfriend.com
$78.00
These leggings are popular for their sustainable material (the fabric on each pair is made up of about 25 water bottles) and super inclusive sizing that goes up to 6X. Plus, the leggings come with two inseam length options, accommodating taller folks.
- Made from recycled material and can be recycled after wear
- Plus sizes available: 1X-6X
Best Plus-Size Leggings for Training
Invigorate High-Rise Tight 25″
lululemon.com
$128.00
Our Textile and Wellness Lab experts have found that Lululemon has performed exceptionally well across the board, in terms of quality and withstanding various workouts. These specific leggings are made from Everlux, which our experts say is ideal for high-intensity workouts like HIIT, CrossFit, or spinning.
RELATED: The Best Lululemon Leggings for Every Activity
- Plus sizes available: 16-20
Plus-Size Leggings with the Best Prints
Navy Camo Stripe Hi-Shine Leggings
People say they’re more motivated to work out when their athletic apparel looks cute. Terez offers a wide range of bright and colorful printed workout leggings for every aesthetic. In Lab evaluations, consumer testers found that Terez were comfortable and smooth, though not as breathable or moisture-wicking as others.
- Plus sizes available: 1X-3X
- Not as breathable compared to other leggings
12
Squat-proof Biker Shorts
lukafit.com
$42.00
Another brand that makes fashionable and printed workout gear is LukaFit, a smaller business that’s known for their unique designs. According to the brand, these biker shorts were made to hug your curves in all the right places and come with a hidden back pocket for extra storage. Pair with the brand’s matching sports bra for a cute matching set.
- Plus sizes available: 1X-3X
Great Sports Bra for Large Busts
Women’s Sonic Underwire Sports Bra
Named the best sports bra for large busts by our Lab experts and popular among our consumer testers, this sports bra features thick, supportive straps that can convert to a racerback style. Our testers reported that the bra was easy to pull on and felt comfortable.
- Loved by consumer testers and Textile Lab experts
- Sizes available: 28D to 40G
High-Impact Plus-Size Sports Bra
Women’s Underwired Sports Bra
amazon.com
$35.06
Consumer testers with large busts especially loved this sports bra because of it’s breathable material and support. It features solid compression too, which makes it a perfect choice for workouts that include running or jumping.
- Sizes available: 28A-40KK
15
Catalyst Sports Bra
Intense and high-impact workouts can lead to a little breast movement, but this bra was specifically designed to help combat the bounce. Note that the sizing works a little differently from other brands, but the bra supports up to a G cup (just check the sizing chart to get the best size).
16
High Intensity Sports Bra
sweatybetty.com
£50.00
Online reviewers love this sports bra from Sweaty Betty because it keeps even larger breasts secure from any jiggle. “It’s slightly pricey for a bra, but very good for plus sizes,” says one reviewer. “It doesn’t cut into the skin and has [great] impact on the chest for running.”
17
Women’s Plus Size Wonderwire Sports Bra
Thousands of Amazon reviewers gave this sports bra a high rating because they loved the quality and support it gives during workouts. “The bra cuts down on bounce dramatically,” says one reviewer, “it holds me up on the elliptical and sprinting and everything else.”
18
Bed Rock Sports Bra
meltfitactive.com
$50.00
Besides the fun cheetah prints, what makes this sports bra unique is the wide band underneath for extra support. “The fabric feels so good against my skin, and it’s a good hold as well,” says one reviewer. The brand recommends you order based on your fitted T-shirt size.
19
Period Bodysuit
rubylove.com
$29.99
Ruby Love uses special technology in their clothing that fights against period leaks when it’s that time of the month. This snug bodysuit uses the same technology, letting you move around dance class or during yoga without worry.
- Features special leak-proof technology
- Plus sizes available: 1X-3X
20
Women’s Crew Sportswear Essential
- Plus sizes available: 1X-3X
21
Hoodie with Lace-up Collar,
amazon.com
$19.96
Just My Size is a Hanes plus-size brand that makes extended sizes of underwear, legwear, and clothing, like this French terry fabric lightweight hoodie. We love that the hoodie features a flatter V-placket and can be matched with the coordinating terry joggers.
- Plus sizes available: 16-32
22
LIVI Tie-Dye Fleece Pullover
lanebryant.com
$64.95
Lane Bryant is an entire brand dedicated to women with larger sizes, and their LIVI pullover is very with the times with its tie-dye pattern. A drawcord lets you quickly adjust the length if needed. Reviewers say the fit is perfect, though the sleeves are a little short.
- Plus sizes available: 14-20
23
Triumph Hoodie
athleta.gap.com
$86.99
Made with lightweight, stretchy cotton, the brand says this hoodie is breathable and good for medium and high-impact workouts. It features two front pockets, thumbholes, and a ribbed cuff collar for a warmer fit.
Plus-Size Yoga Pants
Solid Basic Yoga Ankle Pant
penningtons.com
CA$34.96
Online reviewers say these yoga pants are comfortable, stylish, and “feel just right.” The solid pants are slightly flared and feature a semi-fitted ankle. They’re best used for low-intensity workouts.
- Plus sizes available: 1X-6X
Slimming Jogger Pants
Cooper Jogger Pant
universalstandard.com
$108.00
One reviewer describes these joggers as a “cross between a legging and a jogger” because they’ve got a slimming fit. The brand says they’re made from a sweat-wicking fabric and feel next-to naked. They come in an impressive range of petite sizes to 4X.
- Plus sizes available: 1X-4X
26
Breathe ON Plus-Size Jogger Pants
oldnavy.gap.com
$37.99
These printed joggers come at an excellent value price of just under $40. Reviewers say that they’re “comfortable for at home but nice enough to wear in public.” They also come in solid navy and charcoal.
- Plus sizes available: 1X-4X
27
Women’s Plus Size Jersey Shorts
amazon.com
$15.80
You can count on Champion for basic pieces that won’t let you down. These shorts are affordable, and according to reviewers, pretty roomy, so they’re perfect for running. The cotton shorts come with two side pockets.
- Plus sizes available: 1X-4X
28
Women’s Plus Size Active Woven Run Short
Reviewers say that while the polyester fabric isn’t stretchy on these shorts, they’re a little baggy, making it easier to move. Plus, the adjustable drawstring waist helps you achieve a custom fit. They also come in grey, purple, blue, and pink.
- Plus sizes available: 1X-5X
Best-Selling Workout Rain Jacket
Women’s Switchback III Waterproof Rain Jacket
amazon.com
$37.50
Fitness lives on rain or shine, and this waterproof jacket features a nylon shell to keep you dry in even the heaviest rain. It’s also useful for everyday, providing a comfortable range of motion, adjustable cuffs, and zippered hand pockets.
- Plus sizes available: 1X-3X
Plus sizes available: 16-24
Lightweight Full Zip Running Jacket
amazon.com
$27.99
Made from a blend of polyester and spandex, this versatile jacket is a solid choice for running, yoga, cycling, and more. It comes with thumb holes, a full zip up front, and a hood to keep you warm while outdoors. Note that reviewers suggest ordering one or two sizes up.
Product and Reviews Assistant Editor
As the Products & Reviews Assistant at GoodHousekeeping.com, Shanon covers the best deals and products across home, appliances, health, beauty and parenting.
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